Genealogy continues to be a powerful draw for the Union County Museum which hosted a successful genealogical workshop in March and plans to hold another in the near future.
Director Ola Jean Kelly announced Tuesday that there had been 238 registered visitors to the museum in March. Of those, Kelly said 40 were from other South Carolina communities including Blythwood, Chesnee, Chester, Clinton, Columbia, Cowpens, Gaffney, Georgetown, Gray Court, Lancaster, Lugoff, Pauline, Prosperity, Roebuck, Sharon, Spartanburg, and Taylors. Another 34 were from Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas. There were no international visitors.
Among those visiting the museum were the approximately 30 people who participated in a genealogical workshop held March 15. Kelly said the workshop, which was conducted by representatives of the Family History Center, instructed participants in how to begin genealogical research, where to search, and how to locate “hard to find” information about family histories. She said each participant was also given a packet of information and work sheets to use in their research.
Genealogy is a major draw for the museum which has an extensive genealogical library which Kelly said is almost always in use, either by visitors doing research or by museum staff following up on requests for information. She said the March 15 workshop was further confirmation of the growing popularity of genealogical research among the public with participants expressing a desire for further opportunities to learn more. To meet that interest, Kelly said the museum will hold another workshop in the near future.
“The entire process received such positive feedback that we will plan another such event shortly,” Kelly said Tuesday.
Positive feedback was also the order of the day for the museum in March with several visitors leaving the following comments in the guest register:
• Atlanta, Georgia — “Enjoyed your research room.”
• Columbia, SC — “Wonderful visit.”
• Flagstaff, Arizona — “A great museum, efficiently staffed.”
• Lowell, Massachusetts — “Extremely interesting.”
• Crownville, Maryland — “Wonderful museum for family research.”
In addition to the workshop participants and the visitors from within and without the county, the museum was also patronized in March by the local DAR, Union Music Club, and the Class of 1962 Reunion Planning Committee who made use of its downstairs meeting room.
Living History V
On April 28-29, the Cross Keys House will be the site of Living History V which will feature a reenactment of Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ visit to the house in 1865. In addition to the reenactment, the two-day event will also feature lectures and displays.
The Living History program has become an annual event at the Cross Keys House which is one of 23 sites listed on the Union County Historic Trail. In 2011, Living History IV drew approximately 100 reenactors and approximately 1,000 visitors.
On April 27, the reenactors of Living History V will present a special program for the eighth grade students of Union County. The students are doing an in-depth study of South Carolina history and the reenactors will bring that history to life for them with a presentation that will feature events that will not be part of the Living History program presented to the general public the following two days.
For more information about the Union County Museum, its availability for meetings and workshops, and other events or to volunteer at the museum or the Cross Keys House call (864) 429-5081 or go online at www.unioncountymuseum.com.
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